The Cravia Cubs acclaimed the second trophy of their tenure in the Dundee University football league with a battling performance which ended in penalty shoot-out drama.
The opening stages of the match were fairly even. Tackles were being made and there was no exact flow to the game. The first notable point was in fact a Netherside goal. A throw in found the heads of several players before being nicked onto the crossbar. The flight of the ball deceived Young Eggo in goal leaving the ball to be easily tapped in. A German roar was sounded by a disgusted Eggo.
This perked Netherside up slightly who began to exert pressure. The Cubs gained a few set piece opportunities, but in open play couldn't find that final piece of the jigsaw. Therefore when Netherside Rovers went 2 0 up many spectators feared a storm of goals to come. Netherside quickly broke up the field leaving a lunging Hagger to miss connection with the ball as it trickled into the net lining - thankfully Hagger got up injury free.
Furthermore it was that man Hagger who thumped the Cubs back into contention. Young Swinton had clearly been keeping his set piece brilliance for the final as he whipped in an outstanding cross - not for the first time in the match. So good was the cross that the Netherside keeper and defence couldn't clear the ball to safety. In no mood to let the opportunity go to waste Hagger unleashed a left footed drive into the back of the net for his 14th goal of the season - exactly what was needed.
The Cubs then pressed for an equaliser before halftime. King came close on two occasions to sneaking in behind the defence. MacDonald missed out on a volleying opportunity with an extra touch and Brebner almost worked a way in behind. Yet, the goal did come in the end and it couldn't have came any later. A goalkeeping mistake led to Batchelor sprinting through on goal. He then 'pressed A' as he guided the ball into the net.
The second half would see Netherside Rovers have much of the ball. They played the more intricate stuff yet couldn't match the Cubs desire. In the glaring heat it was no day to be chasing around players of high fitness and pace. This was what the Cubs were tasked with however; especially difficult with many Cubs players being partial to a kebab and one too many beers. The Cubs never stopped though and this was applauded by many - rarely was the crucial final tackle or interception made in the end. One sliding tackle in particular seeing a Netherside player soar high into the air (had to mention it).
There was then a huge moment for the Cravia Cubs. A low driven ball was just out of reach for Old Yug to reach, resulting in a square ball being played to the free Cruickshank. Cruickshank done everything right, however his hammered shot glanced the crossbar and hit the green railing of Riverside. The green railings being something that all Cubs can hit with remarkable accuracy.
It really was holding on to the draw from there on in. Several changes were made and although the fitness levels waned of the Cubs the determination never did. Countless dangerous set pieces cleared late on as well as Eggo rushing out to punch and prevent a certain goal.
The final whistle went meaning penalties would be the means of winning for either team. The Cubs knew in their heads that they had a large contingent able to be trusted with penalty duties. Caley scored the first which took nobody by surprise. Perhaps more surprising was the absolutely wonderful goal from Young Mejka who gave the keeper the eyes - on par with his vocals later aired on the Bush Bar karaoke. Sword done his usual of scoring from the spot whilst MacDonald took the decisive penalty in the end.
Decisive as Young Eggo pulled off a wonderful save from Rolley whilst a rattled Netherside player skewed wide. In an attempt to foil Eggo's off putting 'shorts up, balls out' technique he also copied Eggo's trademark. This providing exactly what Eggo wanted - he was rattled and sent the ball wide.
The Cubs celebrated late into the night and who knows if this is the last time this exact group of players will play together. Many revealed uncertainty about future placings during the evening and if it does so transpire that this was the final game for some current Cubs then it's perhaps fitting that such a great performance and cup win was the final action.
Forza Cubs!
